American History Hit
History Hit
Join Don Wildman twice a week for your hit of American history, as he explores the past to help us understand the United States of today. We’ll hear how codebreakers uncovered secret Japanese plans for the Battle of Midway, visit Chief Powhatan as he prepares for war with the British, see Walt Disney accuse his former colleagues of being communists, and uncover the dark history that lies beneath Central Park. From pre-colonial America to independence, slavery to civil rights, the gold rush to the space race, join Don as he speaks to leading experts to delve into America’s past. New episodes every Monday and Thursday. Brought to you by History Hit, the award-winning podcast network and world’s best history channel on demand, featuring shows like Dan Snow’s History Hit, Not Just The Tudors and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 3, 2025 • 44min
Bleeding Kansas: Start of the Civil War?
Dr. Kristen Epps, an Associate Professor at Kansas State University and expert on slavery and the Civil War, delves into the tumultuous period of Bleeding Kansas. She discusses the motivations behind settlers flooding into Kansas, the formation of rival governments, and the infamous roles of John Brown and border ruffians. Epps explores how events like the sack of Lawrence foreshadowed the national violence of the Civil War, alongside the ongoing legacy of this conflict in Kansas today.
Oct 30, 2025 • 37min
American Origins of Halloween
Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald, Head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore at University College Dublin, dives into Halloween's fascinating origins. She explains how the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain transformed as it traveled to America. Key topics include the community aspects of harvest gatherings, the intertwining of autumn and the supernatural, and how Christian practices reshaped these pagan traditions. Dr. Fitzgerald also explores the darker imagery of Halloween influenced by Victorian literature and the commercialization of costumes and candy.
Oct 27, 2025 • 44min
Was the American Revolution a World War?
Join historian Richard Bell from the University of Maryland as he unpacks the global dimensions of the American Revolution. He discusses what defines a 'World War,' highlighting the roles of France, Spain, and the Netherlands, as well as the involvement of diverse groups including indigenous peoples and black refugees. Richard explores France's strategic entry into the conflict, Spain's covert support, and how the Caribbean served as a crucial theater. He reveals the long-term global impacts, reshaping empires and trade networks in ways that still resonate today.
Oct 23, 2025 • 51min
What If George Washington Became King?
Michael Hattem, historian and author, dives into a fascinating counterfactual: What if George Washington had become king? He explores Washington's immense popularity post-war and the turbulent reality of his presidency. Hattem discusses the reasons behind the failure of the Articles of Confederation and Washington's decision to step down, emphasizing his legacy of avoiding monarchy. The conversation touches on the potential chaos of succession and how America might have looked under a royal system, all while reinforcing the democratic values Washington upheld.
Oct 20, 2025 • 28min
What if the Cuban Missile Crisis Sparked WW3?
Renata Keller, an associate professor specializing in Latin American-U.S. relations, dives deep into the Cuban Missile Crisis. She highlights how it was more than a U.S.-Soviet standoff, exploring the profound impacts on South America. Listeners learn about regional diplomatic responses, public protests, and the historical role of organizations like the OAS. Renata reveals the dire consequences had nuclear war ensued, shaping a new security landscape that led to the formation of a nuclear-free zone in Latin America. A captivating look at a critical moment in history!
Oct 16, 2025 • 51min
What If There Were No CIA?
Jeffrey Rogg, a Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute and author of The Spy and the State, explores the intriguing thought of a world without the CIA. He discusses its origins following WWII and how its absence might have shaped global events like the coups in Guatemala and Iran. Rogg delves into the CIA's covert actions, the ethical dilemmas of programs like MKUltra, and how its secrecy has influenced public conspiracy theories. He warns that covert operations can lead to long-term instability and blowback.
15 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 40min
Origins of the US Navy: America's Revolutionary Pirate
James L. Nelson, an award-winning maritime historian and author, delves into the dramatic life of John Paul Jones, often dubbed the father of the U.S. Navy. He reveals how Jones emerged from humble beginnings in Scotland to become a formidable naval captain during the Revolutionary War. Their conversation uncovers the complexities of naval life, the controversial morality behind Jones's merchant career, and his daring raids against the British. Nelson also questions the legendary image of Jones, asserting that the founding of the navy involved many contributors.
9 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 47min
Who was the Best President Ever?
Join history professor Jeremi Suri, an expert on presidential leadership, as he unpacks what truly defines a great president. He discusses the essential qualities like vision and crisis leadership, highlighting exemplary figures such as Lincoln and FDR. Suri argues that modern presidents face unprecedented challenges, including the overwhelming complexities of social media. The conversation also touches on underrated presidents like Grant and Eisenhower, and how their legacies contribute to the fabric of American leadership.
Oct 6, 2025 • 40min
America's Invasion of Canada
Maj. Jonathan D. Bratten, a historian with the Maine Army National Guard specializing in Revolutionary War history, dives into the intriguing 1775 American invasion of Quebec. He sheds light on the ideologies behind wanting Canada as the 14th colony and the challenges Benedict Arnold faced during the treacherous wilderness march. Bratten navigates through military logistics, the disastrous Quebec assault, and the significant repercussions of the campaign, pondering how success might have altered the course of the war.
Oct 2, 2025 • 32min
Who Was the Worst President Ever?
In this engaging discussion, historian Jeremi Suri, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of The Impossible Presidency, dives into the complexities of presidential failure. He explores what truly makes a president 'bad,' identifying faults like hubris and a failure to adapt. Suri debates the legacies of Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, and Andrew Johnson, ultimately naming Johnson the worst for his undermining of Reconstruction. They also ponder contemporary issues, raising questions about our current leadership.
